Hiking Books

You should turn to trusted authors when you need factual information such as how to prepare for a hike, and also for when you want an insider's view of the outdoors.

And if you're just starting to explore the wondrous world of hiking, you need a mentor! A book can definitely act as a mentor.

OK, I admit it: I'm addicted to books.

I can never pass by the door of a bookstore without "just a quick peek" for hiking books. If I'm not careful, hours go by and I emerge onto the sidewalk in a daze, dreaming of new destinations.

Hiking books come in so many "flavors":

most popular hiking books,

stripped down how-to dayhike books,

bells-and-whistles WOW books,

encyclopedic volumes geared toward bringing you into the ranks of experts,

spill all confessions of trail misadventures

...so the question becomes, where to start?

Well, since you asked...

Here's a highly opinionated attempt to give you what I consider THE essential hiking books to begin building a reference library.

They're sitting on my shelves, and have been lovingly dragged around and poured over on many a winter afternoon.

As time permits, I'll add to the list and throw in a few personal favorites for very personal reasons (heads up: they might not resonate with you, but I'll do my best to explain why I think they're worth a look).

And if you're curious about the inspirational books I recommended to a reader planning a 60th birthday hiking trip, check them out (ooh, a library hiking book pun!) here.

Hiking For Her Highly Opinionated List of Hiking Books

Let's get started with a classic:Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.

Why I recommend it:There's a brand new edition of this classic (been around since 1960!!), and it's one of the first books I recommend to hikers because it covers a lot of ground (if you pardon the hiking pun).

What if you only hike where there's not a mountain in sight?

Or if you have no intention of doing more than a day hike?

I STILL recommend it!

What I like about this book:Basic survival skills are emphasized, beginning with gear, food, navigation.

If you're not into climbing, skim through to the last parts on emergency preparation and weather.

Currently I'm doing a home study course on weather (to be a well prepared hiker), so I know that this book gives you what you will need to stay out of nasty temperature or precipitation related tight spots.

Another good feature: it's not just one outdoor expert, it's dozens pooling their collective wisdom for your benefit.

And it's not just anybody doing the writing, it's hearty, seasoned folks (sadly, not many women).

This makes a great gift, too! That's how I came to own a copy.

One more plug: it's from my very own corner of the world, the Pacific Northwest.

Cautions:

You might be turned off by the focus on climbing. I admit that the parts on tying specific knots or rappelling are wasted on me.

Also, it's huge (close to 600 pages) so it will take up a lot of room on your hiking books shelf.

The newest edition at this time of writing is the 8th edition, but earlier editions are available for greatly reduced prices.

Hiking books: wildlife

Next up: Reader's Digest North American Wildlife.

Why I recommend it:If you ever have gray winter days when you're longing to be outdoors but the weather or your schedule will not permit it, here's a strong dose of virtual outdoor time.

I usually snuggle into a blanket on "my" end of the couch and crack open this book, allowing my mind to wander through descriptions, color drawings, and range maps of 2,000 plants, animals, and birds.

I like to start with my own neck of the woods (Pacific NW), re-visit my childhood stomping grounds (upper MidWest), and then turn to areas of current interest (Northwest Territories, New Mexico).

The hours roll by quite pleasantly, and my immersion in wildlife facts will pay off later when I'm actually on the trail.

What I like most about this book:It's concise, giving enough detail on animals, birds and plants so that I feel confident that I could easily make an identification out in the field.

My fact-hungry left brain appreciates the little factoids about each species.

The color drawings are beautiful, which pleases my right brain.

I like how easy it is to compare what I see in my usual hiking areas with what's found across the North American continent. Sometimes I'm surprised and impressed by the wide range a plant or animal has.

Example: Hazels are widely distributed across the upper part of the continent - a huge distance, and testimony to the successful strategies of this life form - which produces tasty nuts for a survival situation.

Cautions:

It's a seriously thick book, definitely not a field guide.

It will take up some space on your bookshelf.

You might get frustrated by lack of detail - or you could consider it motivation for further research :)

One more thing: it's not much help if you don't live on the North American continent! But maybe you'll come visit us!

Hiking Field Guides: There's too much to say about individual hiking books here, so check out my Top Ten List of recommended field guides here.

You'll never have to wonder about the names of flowers, birds, rocks or mammals again!

Outdoor women as role models

Ever hear of Anne LaBastille? If not, it's my pleasure to introduce you to a mentor, a woman who coined the term Woodswoman and accomplished some amazing backwoods feats.

While not technically a "hiker", she's a role model for every female who wants to go her own way.

Her first book, published in 1976, was pivotal in shaping my mindset as a twenty-something hiker dreaming of the solo trail:

She has 3 more books of adventures, too!

Her first book mentored me, and the rest satisfied some deep longing I feel when I'm in the woods.

While we're on an "Ann" theme, here's another "mentor" book I used, but a bit later in life when spiritual matters gained importance.

Ann Linnea planned and executed a solo kayak trip around Lake Superior which changed the trajectory of her life: her physical body, her marriage, her relationship with nature, basically everything that she felt kept her rooted in reality.

I love this book because I grew up around Lake Superior, and learned as a teenager to backpack on Isle Royale - smack dab in the middle of that wild lake!

So her descriptions of the "moods" of the water were heart wrenchingly accurate, and brought back a flood of memories.

I also appreciated her honesty as she struggled during the trip. And her bravery after the trip! If you've been hiking for awhile, you know that it's hard to integrate back into "real" life after a long trip. Ann gives you a taste of that.

Again, not technically a hiking story, but it's going to inspire you to hit the trail! The name is evocative of a life transition, don't you think?

Helen Thayer is a woman who was doing heavy duty hiking very quietly, sometimes solo and sometimes with her husband, while I was learning hiking skills.

I heard her speak at a National Geographic Live! event a few years back, and then discovered, completely by accident, that I was living within a half mile of her!

If you love dogs AND hiking, you've got to read her book Three Among the Wolves: A Couple and their Dog Live a Year with Wolves in the Wild.

I was privileged enough to hear her tell this tale while she showed photographs of her beloved dog Charlie. I immediately bought the book (in the lobby right after the talk!), and love flipping through it when I have a few moments.

Helen went on to write about her Gobi Desert trek, and a dogsled journey (talk about environmental extremes)!

She's one tough lady, and one of my favorite mental mentors, for sure!

Speaking of feisty trail women sharing everything in hiking books, here's a great title for you: We're in the Mountains, Not Over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers by Susan Alcorn.

Prepare to be challenged by these stories, because the underlying theme is "if WE can get this done, why can't you??"

If you're a solo hiker but sometimes long to belong to a pack, read this book. Its camaraderie will warm your spirit.

Grandma Gatewood book for kids

If you've got young hikers (or curious kids) in your life, share When Grandma Gatewood Took A Hike with them.

Ggive this book a read if you want to know what it's really like to tackle one of the toughest long trails anywhere on the planet.

Need a little inspiration for living wild?

Sometimes a woman just needs a few ideas for spicing up her routine in the outdoors.

Read my review of 1001 Ways to Live Wild, and see if you need a copy! The artwork is lovely and might inspire you to do more hiking, and to pick up a brush and some water colors to document your hikes.

Why wait a whole month?

Plus, there's never enough room in the newsletter to share it all, so why miss out on exclusive Hiking For Her giveaways, limited time gear deals and discounts, freebies, updates, and more?

A short, info packed weekly emailupdate will keep you current on all things hiking!

Hurrah, it worked! Welcome!
Just one more little step (sure, that's what they all say on the trail...)
Please check your email to confirm your subscription, and watch for your first weekly message from Hiking For Her.
Lots of great gear deals, fresh tips, freebies, exclusive offers and updates are headed your way.